Train rescheduling due to yard works at Arakkonam

Addressing reporters on Friday, Divisional Railway Manager Naveen Gulati said, “After such engineering works are over, commuters will find their trains arriving on time. In order to facilitate upgrading works, we need to have changes in the pattern of train services such as cancellation and regulations of trains and change in timings.” 

Stating that Arakkonam yard works will include insertion and removal of points including diamond crossovers, cut and connections, dismantling and extension of platforms, the DRM pointed out that commuters need to cooperate for a few days, as few number of express trains will be cancelled for the purpose. Speaking about the scope and benefit of the work at Arakkonam junction, the officials said, “The straightening of road 1 and 2 at Arakkonan Junction will pave the way for trains to increase the speed from 30 kmph to 105 kmph. Similarly, the length of the road 10 will be extended to 715 metre, while we will extend platform 1 and 2 to accommodate 26 coaches.” 

Another official said, “Going by the duration and disruption to train services, the modification work is spread over 17 days. During the initial 12 days from April 20 to May 1, there will be daily traffic block for five hours during the period between 9 30 am to 3 pm in Arakkonam yard affecting the movement of trains.” 

Most importantly, on the day of commissioning of upgraded Arakkonam station, there will be total traffic block of eight hours from 1 45 am to 9 45 am on May 6 and no train service will be available during this time in any direction from Arakkonam, added the official. 

Passengers can contact customer care at 138 for any assistance, he added. Train No 16053 Chennai Central-Tirupati Express, which is usually scheduled to leave Chennai Central at 2 15pm will fully be cancelled on April 28, 29 and 30. 

Similarly, Train No 12679 Chennai Central-Coimbatore Intercity Express, scheduled to leave Chennai Central at 2 30pm, will be rescheduled to leave Chennai Central late  by one hour.